Treatment Other Than Lupron for Advanced Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is cancer of the prostate gland, the small gland in men that produces seminal fluid. Lupron has been used to treat the condition, but other treatments do exist to help treat this cancer.

External Radiation

External beam radiation uses X-rays to kill cancer cells. These high powered X-rays are generally administered five days a week for eight weeks, according to MayoClinic.com.

Radioactive Seeds

Radioactive seeds are implants placed in the prostate that emit radiation to kill cancer cells. This therapy is used in men with small or moderate-sized tumors, according to MayoClinic.

Radical Prostatectomy

Radical prostatectomy is the surgical removal of the prostate. This surgery is used to remove tumors that have not spread beyond the prostate.

Robot-Assisted Surgery

Robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy is a surgical means of removing the prostate. Small incisions are made in the abdomen, and long instruments, including a small video camera, are inserted and used to remove the gland.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses intravenous chemicals to kill cancer cells. This treatment has more side effects than other methods, and is reserved for patients with hormone-resistant cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.

References

• Prostate Cancer Treatment and Drugs

Resources

• Prostate Cancer Foundation